The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has taken a major step forward in the work to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. Earlier today, the Food and Drug Administration announced its approval of a breakthrough new treatment for cystic fibrosis called Kalydeco™ (previously known as VX-770). This drug is the first to address the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis and is a result of a decade-long collaboration between the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Kalydeco works to correct a specific CF mutation, G551D, which is present in about 4 percent of people with CF in the United States. By attacking this disease-causing mutation at its core, the drug dramatically improves lung function, lowers sweat chloride levels and helps patients gain the weight they need to stay healthy. To learn more about Kalydeco, click here.

Kalydeco is not only a major treatment breakthrough for people with the G551D mutation of CF, the science behind the drug has opened exciting new doors to research and development that may eventually lead to a cure for all people living with CF. With continued research, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will build on this achievement to develop new treatments that address the underlying cause of the disease for all people with cystic fibrosis. To learn more, visit www.cff.org.